Pharmacists have hit back at suggestions that vending machines located in GP practices could be used to replace them when they are unavailable.

The AMA is pitching the idea of expanding the number of automated dispensing machines, which are common in the US and the UK, as a way of making it easier for patients to obtain their medications.

However, installation of the technology is currently banned under the 7th Community Pharmacy Agreement between the Federal Government and the Pharmacy Guild of Australia.  

The AMA says practices would simply charge a flat rate to machine owners using rental arrangements like those between GP practices and co-located pathology collection centres.